assignment 2 - george mason universitymason.gmu.edu/~aevmenov/portfolio/growth/summer06... · 2 low...

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Electronic Resource Notebook

Summer 2006EDSE 524

AssignmentASSIGNMENT 2: Class Electronic Resource Notebook (30 points)

Compile resources of your choice that would be useful for teaching students with learning disabilities. You will select one subject area: Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science. All class members sections will be compiled into a class electronic resource notebook. Your electronic notebook should include:

• Low Tech Ideas (at least 10) – Include description of idea– Include picture if appropriate

• High Tech Ideas (at least 10) – Include name of software– Descriptions of software– What needs it will address– Website of vendor

• Resources (at least 10)– Link to website– Description of website

Resource Notebook

Writing

Reading

Electronic Resource Notebook:

Social Studies ContentSocial Studies Content

Carly HassingerEDSE 524: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Learning Disabilities

Summer 2006Cheryl Temple, Instructor

Low Tech IdeasLow Tech Ideas

Low Tech Idea:

Create a Word Wall

Word walls allow students to learn the content-specific vocabulary that can often cause difficulty in social studies. In addition, students can continually practice vocabulary, work on spelling and reading, and increase exposure to the material.

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Low Tech Idea:

Word Maps

A vocabulary word map is a visual organizer that helps students engage with and think about new terms or concepts in several ways. The new term goes in the middle of the map. Students fill in the rest of the map with a definition, synonyms, antonyms, and a picture to help illustrate the new concept.

Low Tech Idea:

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers can help students compare, categorize or, organize information.

Low Tech Idea:

Create a KWL ChartKWL charts allow students to draw on previous knowledge and connect the material from lesson to lesson. The sequential nature of social studies can be a challenge for some students. KWL charts can be completed individually or as a class.

Low Tech Idea:

Highlighters, Sticky notes, Highlighter tape, Colored markers or Pens

Using highlighters, sticky notes, highlighter tape, colored markers or pens allow students to extract important information or vocabulary, organize material, and practice study skills. These methods work well when working with the social studies text that is often difficult to read and comprehend.

Low Tech Idea:

TimelinesTimelines can help students sequence information in social studies. While remembering the exact date is often not important, remembering what order the events came in is.

Low Tech Idea:

MnemonicsMnemonics, like this one to help remember the directions on the compass, help students remember important concepts. They are often verbal: a statement, a word created from the letters of the content, or a short phrase or poem. Mnemonics are very helpful in remembering facts and lists. The nature of mnemonics allows for a great deal of drill and practice.

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Low Tech Idea:

Cut & Paste Activities

Cutting and pasting in maps and charts can make a social studies activity more interesting to students and keep them active to maintain their attention. Adapted scissors can be used if necessary.

Low Tech Idea:

Color Code Maps

Color Coding drawings and maps helps to emphasize concepts visually. By physically coloring the map themselves, students are involved in their learning.

Low Tech Idea:

Role Plays

Role playing social studies content allows the history to come alive. By becoming a part of the content, students can truly immerse themselves in it, learn it, and get excited about it.

High Tech IdeasHigh Tech Ideas

High Tech Idea:

Software for Presentations

• SOFTWARE: PowerPoint• DESCRIPTION: PowerPoint is a tool used for

presenting information in a dynamic slide show format.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: PowerPoint can make it easier for the teacher to keep notes of lectures and make them available to students. This can be extremely beneficial for students with disabilities who cannot take effective or thorough notes. PowerPoint can be more visually stimulating for students and added features can keep their attention.

• WEBSITE: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

High Tech Idea:

Movies• SOFTWARE: Movies in the Classroom• DESCRIPTION: Movies in the Classroom

provides suggestions for films that will connect to content taught in the classroom. Descriptions of the movies, ratings, how many class periods the movie will last, background information, key vocabulary, and learning links are all included.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Movies often make history come alive and allow students to connect with the content learned in the classroom. They assist in grasping abstract ideas and making connections between concepts. Anyone can benefit from this enhancement of the curriculum.

• WEBSITE:http://www.classbrain.com/artmovies/publish/cat_index_8.shtml

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High Tech Idea:

Internet for Research

• SOFTWARE: Internet Explorer• DESCRIPTION: Microsoft Internet Explorer

allow students to search the internet for research.• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Many

students with reading disabilities and attention difficulties struggle when using books to complete research. With instruction, strict guidelines, and supervision, the internet allows students with learning disabilities to complete research effectively. With many programs, like screen readers, the web is very accessible for students with disabilities.

• WEBSITE:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx

High Tech Idea:

Word Processor

• SOFTWARE: Microsoft Word• DESCRIPTION: Microsoft Word is a basic word

processing program that has many possible accommodations, making it accessible to students with disabilities.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Microsoft Word can motivate many students by allowing them to complete their work on the computer. With the many accommodations, students with fine motor difficulties, visual difficulties, hearing difficulties, or reading and writing deficits can all benefit from using Microsoft Word.

• WEBSITE: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX010857991033.aspx

High Tech Idea:

Graphic Organizer Software

• SOFTWARE: Inspiration• DESCRIPTION: Inspiration allows students to

plan, research, and complete projects or papers through the use of outlines and graphic organizers.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Inspiration can help any student with learning disabilities organize themselves before completing a project. Students with attention deficit disorder, organization problems, and reading or writing deficits will benefit from this program.

• WEBSITE:http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/Inspiration/index.cfm

High Tech Idea:

Picture or Symbol Software

• SOFTWARE: PixWriter• DESCRIPTION: PixWriter is a writing

program with text, pictures, and speech.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Students with attention deficit disorder, organization problems, and reading or writing deficits will benefit from this program. This is also helpful for students who are non-verbal.

• WEBSITE:http://www.slatersoftware.com/pixwriter.html

High Tech Idea:

Audio Enhancements

• SOFTWARE: History Channel Website• DESCRIPTION: Enhance social studies

lessons by allowing students to listen to or watch important speeches from history, rather than just reading them from the textbook.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This is another way to make history come alive and allow students to connect with the content learned in the classroom. While this may benefit students with reading deficits and visual difficulties, anyone can benefit from this enhancement of the curriculum, with the exception of students with significant hearing impairments.

• WEBSITE:http://www.historychannel.com/broadband/home/

High Tech Idea:

Map Creation Software

• SOFTWARE: Smart Draw• DESCRIPTION: Smart Draw allows

the user to easily print and publish maps. Maps are ready-made and other pictures and symbols can be added.

• NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Drawing and working with maps can be difficult for anyone. Students with visual processing deficits, attention deficits, reading difficulties, and fine motor difficulties would benefit.

• WEBSITE:http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/geography.asp?type=12195&id=12195

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High Tech Idea:

Record News or Reenactments• HARDWARE: Camcorder• DESCRIPTION: Camcorders, available through

checkout from the school library, allow students to record a news report or reenact a moment in history.

• NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Like role-plays, by becoming a part of the content, students can truly immerse themselves in it, learn it, and get excited about it. Students with writing or reading deficits will benefit from being able to orally present their material. Students with attention deficits will benefit from the active nature of the project.

• WEBSITE:http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&category_id=6059

High Tech Idea:

Word Prediction Software

• SOFTWARE: Co-Writer• DESCRIPTION: Co-Writer is a word

prediction program.• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Co-

writer is helpful for any struggling writer and is especially helpful with vocabulary. Students with reading deficits would also benefit.

• WEBSITE:http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/cow4000dfrm.htm

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WebsitesWebsites

• National Council for Social Studies– http://www.socialstudies.org/– Offers teaching resources, curriculum standards, and

lesson plan ideas.

• Graphic.Org Graphic Organizers– http://www.graphic.org/– Offers a wide variety of templates for graphic

organizers, mind maps, and concept maps in addition to links to graphic organizer software.

• teAchnology– http://www.teach-

nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/history/– Organized by content area and subject, lesson plans

are available with samples, lesson goals, and downloadable worksheets and activities.

• PBS Teacher Source– http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/soc_stud.htm– Offers lesson plans and projects by topic or grade

level.

• The History Channel Classroom– http://www.historychannel.com/classroom/classroom.

html– Offers supplements to their programming, a plethora

of information, a variety of media, in addition to projects and lesson plans.

• T/TAC Online– http://www.ttaconline.org/staff/sol/history.asp– Differentiated lessons are available to match the

standards of learning.

• Picture History– http://www.picturehistory.com/– Picture History is an on-line archive of images

and film footage documenting more than 200 years of American history

• Documents of American History– http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/A

mericanDoc99.pdf– Copies of important documents from

American history.

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• History and Social Science Curriculum Framework– http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/History/hi

st_ss_framework.html– The Framework defines the content knowledge, skills,

and understandings that are measured by the Standards of Learning tests.

• The National Archives– http://www.archives.gov/education/– This site serves as a digital classroom, including

primary sources, lesson plans, activities for students, training for teachers, and much more!


Math ContentMath Content

Robin BrayEDSE 524: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Learning Disabilities



Low Tech Idea:

Math Tables

Math tables allow students to quickly look up answers to common math problems.

Low Tech Idea:

Counting Cubes & Base Ten Blocks

The counting cubes allow children to manipulate materials to demonstrate mathematical concepts. Different colors enable usage in pattern lessons and sorting activities.

Low Tech Idea:

Number LinesNumber lines can be pasted directly to a students desk. They can be used for straight or skip counting.

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Low Tech Idea:

TouchMath Cards & PostersTouchMath is a commercial program that teaches children to use touch points on numbers that they touch and count out loud at the same time.

Low Tech Idea:

School House Rock Videos

Using mnemonics and rhymes, these videos teach early math concepts. Kids love them (they drive me nuts), we used them as a reward when the students had finished their work. Tricky us.

Low Tech Idea:

News Paper Advertising and Coupons

Using the advertising section or supplements, students clip coupons and add the real world cost of objects. This is important for real life functional skills. You can also make an advertising reference wall to use for classroom math problems. This works for math as well as reading skills.

Low Tech Idea:

ManipulativesManipulatives make concepts like fractions easier to understand. They have been proven in research to increase understanding by two grade levels versus teaching without them.

Low Tech Idea:

Big Button Calculator

While considered high tech only a few years ago this big button bad boy is the mainstay in any low tech arsenal.

Low Tech Idea:

Flash CardsWith flash cards students can master basic number facts with an emphasis on "reverses," or "turnarounds" (e.g., 4 + 5/5 + 4, 6x7/7x6). It is easy to make your own or have the student make them with you

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Low Tech Idea:

Games

Card games such as war or board games like Bingo or Monopoly are good opportunities to practice math skills while working with social skills in a fun context.


High Tech Idea:

Software for Practice

• SOFTWARE: Excel• DESCRIPTION: Excel is a tool used for

presenting equations in a dynamic interactive format.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Excel allows the student or teacher to set up math formulas that will change as the student changes the input numbers. A worksheet can be crafted to help with a specific need.


High Tech Idea:

Talking Scientific Calculator

• DESCRIPTION: Lightweight, each key spoken when pressed,ear phone for private use and high capacity battery.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: The Orion talking scientific calculator can handle all of the math needs of students from middle school algebra to college calculus.

• WEBSITE: http:orbitresearch.com

High Tech Idea:

Internet Manipula Math with Java

• SOFTWARE: Java Applets• DESCRIPTION: 279 java applets for

math principles.• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This

site will explain math principles from the basic to the most complex giving clear demonstrations that are easy for the student to grasp.

• WEBSITE:http://www.ies.co.jp/math/abouteng.html

High Tech Idea:

Basic Math Practice Software

• SOFTWARE: Millie’s Math House• DESCRIPTION: This is a math program

for grades K-2 made by Riverdeep.• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES:

Students build a foundation of fundamental math concepts and thinking skills. Through activities that feel like play, students explore numbers, shapes, sizes, quantities, patterns, sequencing, and new activities addressing measurement concepts and number sentences.

• WEBSITE:http://www.swexpress.com/home.nsf/pages/Software+Express+Home

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High Tech Idea:

Microsoft Word Math Sheets

• SOFTWARE: MicrosoftWord• DESCRIPTION: Microsoft Word pull

down answer function.• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: For

students who may be having trouble due to hand writing abilities the teacher may provide a selection of answers in a pull-down format.

• WEBSITE: http://www.microsoft.com

High Tech Idea:

Talking Checkbook• SOFTWARE: Talking Check Book 3.0• DESCRIPTION: A software program

that allows students to keep and learn about how a checking account works but also one that can be actually used in real life.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This software program gives students a real life functional skill that all students should have. The simplicity and ease of use of this product is it’s strongest point.

• WEBSITE: http://www.premir-programming.com/products.htm

High Tech Idea:

Online Math Videos• SOURCE: Junior High Math Interactives• DESCRIPTION: These videos in the classroom provide

information and examples on the various areas of math covered inmost middle schools.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: The videos and interactive activities educate and challenge the student. With the correct answers the student advances further into the selected activity with a sense of accomplishment. Good site;)

• WEBSITE:http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html?launch=true

High Tech Idea:

Interactive Math Software

• SOFTWARE: MathPad Plus• DESCRIPTION: This is an on screen

manipulative and word problem program.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This program is customizable for the individual student whose work can be kept in a portfolio. Problems are shown numerically and visually.

• WEBSITE:http://www.intellitools.com

High Tech Idea:

Palm Pilot

• SOFTWARE: Palm OS• DESCRIPTION: Personal palm

device that uses many major organizational software programs.

• NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Using the Palm students will learn to manage their schedule and appointments. Other useful features are it’s calculator and accounting software to organize and manage expenses.

• WEBSITE: http://www.palm.com

High Tech Idea:

Shopping on PeaPod• SOFTWARE: Internet

DESCRIPTION: PeaPod is a shop at home service from Giant Foods.

• NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Using the PeaPod site, students learn how to manage their money. They also learn how to price compare and use the calendar for scheduling their purchases.

• WEBSITE:http:www.peapod.com

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WebsitesWebsites

• Math2.org– http://www.math2.org/– Formerly Dave’s Math Tables. Includes math tables

for all levels of math in English and Spanish.

• Manipula Math with Java– http://www.ies.co.jp/math/abouteng.html– 279 math applets that demonstrate a wide range of

math concepts for middle school to college in English and Japanese.

• Clever Games for Clever People– http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~casey931/conway/

games.html– This collection of games is designed to help students

to think logically and plan ahead. Includes Stop-Gate, Traffic Jam, Moneybags and others.

• Number lines– http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mental

maths/numberlines.html – On this cool web site you can make and manipulate

your own number line problems instantly.

• National Library of Virtual Manipulatives– http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html– A great web site to do interactive math manipulatives

for all grade levels in English or Spanish.

• LD Online– http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/technology– LD information and articles and teaching

suggestions..

• MathVids– http://coe.jmu.edu/mathvidsr/– Interactive web site to assist teachers in

helping students with math difficulties. Provided lesson plans are SOL aligned.

• What Can I do on a Computer?– http://www.computerlab.kids.new.net/what_to

_do.htm– A wide range of interactivities for kids in all

areas of learning.

• LD Resources– http://www.ldresources.org– I found the posted news articles of use on this

site. Some are software reviews from the NY Times which I have always found to be sound and very useful before making a purchase.

• TASH– http://www.tash.org– I am a member of this organization and highly

recommend it as a place to get current info on the law and make great personal contacts for the disability field.


Reading ContentReading Content

Jennie SullivanEDSE 524: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Learning Disabilities


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Low Tech Idea:

Create a Picture Word Wall

Picture Word Walls helpteach basic sight wordsas well as teaching students to make connections betweenswords and pictureswhile reading.

Low Tech Idea:Reading Buddies

Reading buddies help both younger and older readers gain confidence in themselves as readers. At the same time, they are learning to identify key words and elements of a story while reading. Younger students being read to are able to feel comfortable in a small group setting.

Low Tech Idea:

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers can help students understand what they are reading; story elements, characters, setting, conclusion. This particular organizer from Scholastics helps students understand that stories contain a main idea and supporting details.

Low Tech Idea:

Tape RecordersTape recorders benefit all sorts of students with Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia, auditory processing and ADHD. Students can record themselves reading or listen to a book on tape recorded by a teacher or other adult or peer. This helps with reading comprehension. Students can follow along in a text book or story book and not be agonizing over words that are unfamiliar.

Low Tech Idea:

Tinted Transparencies

Using tinted transparencies can help students who concentrate better using colors other than black and white.

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Low Tech Idea:

Textbooks on tapeStudents who strugglewith reading can have textbooks available on tapeor CD. This is especiallyhelpful for students who struggle with printed readingmaterial.

Low Tech Idea:

Enlarged PrintSometimes just changing the font size on the computer and making sure the lines are double spaced can visually help students with reading. This helps them to not become overwhelmed when presented with small print that takes up the entire page.

Largeprinttext

Low Tech Idea:

Decrease amount of words on page and add pictures as clues

A page filled with words and no pictures to help make connections with can overwhelm a student with Learning Disabilities. Decreasing the amount of words presented on a page and adding pictures can make reading more enjoyable for the reader and decrease the amount of stress in the student. This example is from Reading A-Z but can be adapted for older students by creating teacher-made books.

Low Tech Idea:

Index Cards

Index cards can help prevent distractions while reading and help students keep their place while reading. Students can cover material not currently being read and just focus on the line being read.

Low Tech Idea:

Organizational StrategiesWall Calendar: A large wall calendar is helpful to remind students of important deadlines and dates. Make sure there is plenty of room for the student to write in.“Post-it” colored notes: When students come across important information while reading text “Post-it” notes come in handy so they can tab the information and come back to it. It is also helpful to for students to tab unfamiliar text so that they can come back to it later or ask an adult to help them with it once they are finished reading.


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High Tech Idea:Kurzweill 3000

• SOFTWARE: Kurzweill 300• DESCRIPTION: Software for

reading and comprehension assistance

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Kurzweill makes it easier for the student to spend more time on task and less time lost in the text. It includes phonics, word recognition, audio dictionary and thesaurus and spelling. It allows for text to be scanned in to the computer and it highlights as it reads the text allowed to the reader, allowing for the speed to be monitored by the student.

• WEBSITE:www.envisiontechnology.org

• 1-800-582-5051

High Tech Idea:Listening Skills

• SOFTWARE: Earobics• DESCRIPTION: This program uses

phonics training to build spelling skills. It is a comprehensive phonological awareness and auditory processing program to help train students in this area.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Reading, phonological awareness, phonics and auditory processing are all addressed in this program. Students with dyslexia, hearing impairments, auditory processing and ADD benefit from this program.

• WEBSITE: www.cogcon.com

High Tech Idea:Books on CD

• SOFTWARE: Start-to-Finish Books• DESCRIPTION: High interest books for

low level readers• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES:

Many students with reading disabilities struggle when it comes to reading chapter books that have been assigned to the class. Start-to-Finish books are for grades 2-5 and provide students with a variety of books on CD that are being read in the classroom. Students can follow along in the chapter book and take a quiz at the end of each chapter to assist with comprehension.

• WEBSITE:http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/catalog.htm

High Tech Idea:

Interactive Electronic Books• SOFTWARE: Leapfrog Schoolhouse Leaptrack Reading Pro• DESCRIPTION: Leaptrack is a research-based program for grades 3-8 that focuses on engaging reading

instruction and aiming intervention for struggling readers• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Increases motivation to encourage struggling readers with interactive,

multisensory instruction. • Uses high-interest nonfiction text at a variety of reading levels to help students succeed. • “Develops reading comprehension, critical word work knowledge, and vocabulary skills through intensive,

individualized instruction.” WEBSITE: http://www.leapfrogschoolhouse.com

High Tech Idea:

Printable Books• SOFTWARE: Readinga-z.com• DESCRIPTION: A wonderful on-line

program that assists in lesson plans and produces downloadable printable books to address areas of need in struggling readers of all levels.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Phonics program which promotes reading fluency, reading comprehension, guided reading, phonemic awareness and phonics.

• WEBSITE: http://www.readinga-z.com/

High Tech Idea:PowerPoint E Books

• SOFTWARE: PowerPoint• DESCRIPTION: Program designed

to create slide-shows and can easily be made into teacher-made talking books.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Struggling readers can see pictures imported by the teacher and follow along as text is read to them using PowerTalk or recordings. Many books can be created to coincide with the curriculum.


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High Tech Idea:Talking Text

• SOFTWARE: Read:OutLoud• DESCRIPTION: Supplements

curriculum to provide students the ability to highlight text on the computer and to listen to human voices read text as it highlights.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This software helps struggling readers become more independent in comprehending text by giving them the ability to have text read aloud to them.

• WEBSITE: www.donjohnston.com

High Tech Idea:

Balanced Literacy• SOFTWARE: Intellitools Reading• DESCRIPTION: “IntelliTools Reading:

Balanced Literacy provides a balanced approach to early literacy instruction for first-grade-level readers. It integrates guided reading, supported writing, and word study or phonics activities. Nine units, built around animal themes, engage students in a year-long program that supports and supplements their classroom language arts curriculum.”(direct quote from http://www.intellitools.com/) NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This program is designed for students in grades K-2 and brings phonics into reading and writing to support learning.

• WEBSITE: http://www.intellitools.com/

High Tech Idea:

Literacy Software• SOFTWARE: WYNN• DESCRIPTION: Literacy software program that

addresses reading, writing and comprehension• NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: WYNN is a program

designed to help struggling readers and those with Learning Disabilities. It takes a “Bi-model”approach to learning. WYNN is easy to navigate, has a colorful toolbar, highlights text, has a dictionary and word prediction among many other helpful tools for students.

• WEBSITE:http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/

High Tech Idea:

Picture or Symbol Software

• SOFTWARE: PixWriter• DESCRIPTION: Allows students

to write using pictures or words• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES:

Pixwriter allows students to practice both reading and writing by using pictures to create stories and have them read back to them using spoken feedback.

• WEBSITE:http://www.slatersoftware.com/pixwriter.html

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WebsitesWebsites

• PixWriter• http://www.slatersoftware.com• Offers games, links, upgrades and many other resources for this

picture writing and reading program.• Reading A to Z• http://www.readinga-z.com/• On-line reading program offering many resources for teachers,

parents and students. It has printable books too!• My Own Bookshelf• http://www.softtouch.com• Purchase software to create a bookshelf accessible for your

individual students• News-2-You • http://www.news-2-you.com• Weekly on-line newpaper for beginning readers

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• Scholastic• http://www.scholastic.com/• Provides parents, teachers, and students with helpful

and motivating information to inspire reading. Games and activities on-line are available for kids!

• Reading Rocket• http://www.readingrockets.org• Provides information and articles to educators and

parents on reading difficulties

• Starfall• http://www.starfall.com• Free website to help students learn to read

• Kurzweil• http://kurzweiledu.com/• Provides up to date information on the Kurzweil 1000 and 3000

program. Downloads and useful information are found on this site for this high tech, high end software program.

• ReadPlease• http://www.readplease.com/english/downloads/• Text to software speech program for Windows

• BuildAbility, Simon S.I.O., Start to Finish, Wordmaker

• http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/catalog.htm• This website offers useful information about reading, writing,

comprehension and all aspects of Literacy. It guides the user through many different software programs that benefit different needs.


WritingWriting

Anna EvmenovaEDSE 524: Assistive Technology for Individuals with

Learning DisabilitiesSummer 2006

Dr. Cheryl Temple


Low Tech Idea:

Pencil Grips/HoldersStudents with fine motor difficulties sometimes prefer fat pencils, crayons, etc. They also benefit from using pencil grips. Pencil grips prevent sliding and provide bigger surface to grasp on. Students with different needs benefit from different grips sizes. Some students with handwriting difficulties can try various pencil holders for better pencil control. Using a clothing pin is an easy way to teach students to hold a pencil correctly.

Low Tech Idea:

Letter Manipulatives

Students with learning disabilities enjoy and benefit greatly from physically manipulating letters. Magnetic letters and alphabetic stampsprovide students with the alternative method to write words, phrases, and sentences. Letter manipulatives offer tactile and kinesthetic experiences for struggling writers as well as motivation.

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Low Tech Idea:

Adapted Paper

Students with writing difficulties may benefit from using adapted paper. Originally designed for students with visual impairment, paper with raised lines can support students to stay within lines when writing. Using paper with extra space between the lines as well as graph paper provides additional support for students with fine motor difficulties.

Low Tech Idea:

Using Color

Color can be used for different purposes in writing. Many students with learning disabilities benefit from selecting specific colors for background and font(www.donjohnston.com) depending on their needs. Learning about parts of speech, students may benefit from color-coding each part with a certain color (e.g., adjectives – orange, verbs –green, etc.) for easier recognition. Students can use color-coded templates to learn and reinforce paragraph and/or essay structure.

Yippee! We are on the way to the amusement park. I can’t wait to ride on the fastestrollercoaster there.

Low Tech Idea:

Slant Boards

Using the slant board can improve the quality of writing. “Writing on a 15-30 degree surface can help especially young writers get better control on the paper.” (from http://www.gatfl.org) The easiest way to make a slant board is to use a three-ring notebook. In addition, students can write on it with dry-erase markers if the binder has a cover.

Low Tech Idea:

Sentence Windows and Sentence Strips

Sentence window can be cut out of hard paper and laminated. Better solution is to cut a window of clear or colored transparencies so students can still see everything they wrote while staying in line. Teachers or students can write sentences and/or stories on sentence strips, cut them apart, and practice putting them back in sequence (for stories), making grammatically correct sentences, and/or cut words into letters to practice spelling.

Low Tech Idea:

Graphic Organizers

Students with learning disabilities benefit greatly from using graphic organizers to plan and organize their ideas before writing. Different graphic organizers can be used to support different writing assignments, for example:

• Chain of Events: to describe action

• Venn Diagram: to compare and contrast

• Spider Map: to brainstorm ideas for any writing project; practicing descriptive words

• Cause and Effects: to create a story

Low Tech Idea:

Index CardsThe use of index cards to support students with learning disabilities is endless. It is possible to use them as reminders and/or prompts to guide students through the editing process. Students can write their ideas on cards and then rearrange them in sequence to make a story. Color note cards will be great for comparing and contrasting writing assignment. Teachers can prepare word cards for students to learn vocabulary as well as to check spelling (possible to use as pocket dictionaries).

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Low Tech Idea:

Using ImagesSome students have difficulty with creative writing. Symbols and pictures can be used to give students ideas. One way to do it is to ask students to write a story about a picture (e.g., what happened before, after, etc.). Another way is to ask student to draw picture and then describe it. Using real pictures of students, their families and friendsmotivates students’ writing. Images also can be used to illustrate new vocabulary words so it is easier to remember them.

PREDICT

Low Tech Idea:

Gross Motor WritingLearning handwriting is easier if students use both fine motor and gross motor skills. Ask students to keep their arm straight (important: the elbow must be straight) and draw a letter in the air. Add multi-sensory techniques: write letters in the sand, use spray paint, say a letter out loud, draw a letter on the ground (e.g., use chalk outside, masking tape inside, etc) and ask students to walk on it heel-to-toe.

Multi-sensory approach also can be used for story writing. Asking students to tell the storyfirst, record it, play it out provides additional support for the actual story writing process.


High Tech Idea:

Word Prediction

• SOFTWARE: Co:Writer SOLO Edition by Don Johnston • DESCRIPTION: Co:Writer SOLO Edition is a word prediction

program that recognizes what a student intends to say offering word suggestions.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Co:Writer SOLO Edition supports students struggling with spelling by predicting words based on phonetic spelling, grammar, and context. Such features as Topic Dictionaries and EWord Bank provide additional support to those with limited vocabulary. It may alsobe a solution for students with limited keyboarding skills and/or handwriting difficulties.

• WEBSITE: http://www.donjohnston.com

High Tech Idea:

Word Prediction

• SOFTWARE: WordQ by QuillSoft

• DESCRIPTION: WordQ is a four-button floating toolbar offering word prediction that works with any application (e.g., Word, email, Internet, etc.).

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: WordQ supports those using inventive spelling for writing. Confusing words are supplemented with usage examples. Easy to use text-to-speech feature provides additional support for those struggling with proofreading and editing. The selection of voices is exquisite so each student can find the one he/she likes. WordQ does not correct grammar or punctuation allowing for development of those skills.

• WEBSITE: http://www.wordq.com

High Tech Idea:

Word Prediction

• SOFTWARE: WriteAssist by Second Guess• DESCRIPTION: WriteAssist software

package includes floating toolbar and stand-along word prediction programs.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES:WriteAssist supports students having difficulties with correct spelling and word choice. The program predicts the words based on the frequency of use. Word prediction and spell check are dyslexia-oriented recognizing misspelling patterns common for student with LD. Text-to-speech feature provides immediate auditory feedback. Dictionary Manager prevents misspelled words from being added to the dictionary by accident.

• WEBSITE: http://www.secondguessusa.com

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High Tech Idea:

Talking Word Processors

• SOFTWARE: Write:OutLoud SOLO Edition by Don Johnston

• DESCRIPTION: Write:OutLoud is a talking word processor.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Write:OutLoud enables students to hear what they have written so they may notice incomplete or awkward sentences, misspelled words, or errors of meaning. It is beneficial for students with reading problems and those who struggle with editing process. Several editing features make revisions easier. Franklin spell check, homophones finder, and mark for deletion are tools that support students who may have occasional phonetically misspelled words or those hesitant to reorganize their writing.


High Tech Idea:

Talking Word Processors

• SOFTWARE: Read & Write by TextHelp Systems• DESCRIPTION: Read & Write is an application

toolbar program that works with any word processing program. It is all-in-one program that incorporates text-to-speech, word prediction, vocabulary, spelling and other features.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Struggling writers benefit from auditory feedback as they type. The highlighting feature helps students with reading and attention problems. Students with reading difficulties can search the Internet as well as read and write email messages. Word prediction and Fact Mapper support students with poor writing and organizational problems. Dictionary and Word Wizard expand students’vocabulary.

• WEBSITE: http://www.texthelp.com

High Tech Idea:

Outlining and Drafting• SOFTWARE: Draft:Builder SOLO

Edition by Don Johnston

• DESCRIPTION: Draft:Builder is a program for planning, organizing ideas, and writing a draft.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This program supports students who have difficulty organizing their writing and elaborating on their ideas. It prompts and guides students though organizing ideas, taking notes, and writing a draft. Built-in templates representing different writing genres and purposes provide different levels of support based on students needs.

• WEBSITE:http://www.donjohnston.com

High Tech Idea:

Outlining and Drafting• SOFTWARE: Kidspiration and Inspiration

by Inspiration Software Inc.

• DESCRIPTION: Kidspiration (K-5) and Inspiration (6-adult) are two programs for outlining and organizing ideas for planning writing.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES:Kidspiration and Inspiration support visual learners. Those struggling with organizing their ideas and thinking through their writing can benefit from creating and manipulating visual webs and diagrams and from automatically created outlines. Graphics engage students with attention difficulties.

• WEBSITE: http://www.inspiration.com

High Tech Idea:

Outlining and Drafting

• SOFTWARE: Writer’s Companion by Vision Technology in Education

• DESCRIPTION: Writer’s Companion is a program that walks students though the entire writing process: brainstorming, organizing and sequencing ideas, editing, and publishing.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Writer’s Companion is beneficial and supports those students who need visual representation of their ideas, physical manipulation and sequencing of their thought. Auditory feedback is provided to help students to edit their writing. Publishing features makes the writing process exciting for everybody.

• WEBSITE: http://www.writerscomp.com

High Tech Idea:

SOLO

• SOFTWARE: SOLO by Don Johnston• DESCRIPTION: SOLO is a four in one software package that

supports students’ through reading, organizing, planning, writing, and editing processes.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Students with word reading and comprehension difficulties benefit from Read:OutLoud program. Those requiring additional support for organizing their ideas and planning the writing product benefit from Draft:Builder. Write:OutLoud helps those with reading difficulties to read and edit their writing. During all stages of writing, Co:Writer support those who have difficulty with spelling and word choices.


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High Tech Idea:

Creative Story Writing

• SOFTWARE: StoryBook Weaver by The Learning Company

• DESCRIPTION: StoryBook Weaver is a multimedia, interactive software that allows students to create their own stories and books.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: StoryBook Weaver is a great tool for those lacking motivation to write. Students having difficulty with generating ideas and/or starting their writing can benefit from Story Starters. Graphics, animation, and sounds effects are engaging for those with attention problems. Studentswho have ideas but are frustrated with the writing process can draw a picture first and then describe it (or record their storyand then listen to it and write it down). Spell check, thesaurus, and text-to-speech features support struggling writers.

• WEBSITE: http://www.learningcompany.com

High Tech Idea:

Creative Story Writing

• SOFTWARE: Amazing Writing Machine by Broderbund

• DESCRIPTION: Amazing Writing Machine is a multimedia writing and drawing software that sparks students creativity and motivates them t0 writing.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Amazing Writing Machine supports students who do not like writing. Interactive features make writing fun. Reader Robots helps students who have difficulty proofreading and editing their work. Such features asBright Ideas and Lightbulb provide students with quotes, jokes and a pool of descriptive words for those with limited vocabulary. Drawing tools, stamps, and sound effects attract students with behavior and attention problems.

• WEBSITE: http://www.broderbund.com

High Tech Idea:

Creative Story WritingSOFTWARE: Imagination Express by EdmarkDESCRIPTION: Imagination Express is another multimedia software that incorporates written text and graphics for story writing. Ocean, Castle, Neighborhood, Rain Forest, Pyramids, and Time Trip USA are available destinations, so students can chooseto write about what they are interested in. WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: With Imagination Express struggling writers can benefit from visuals and multimedia elements. Students can add text, graphics, animation, and recordtheir stories. All that supports hesitant and reluctant writers.Creating the scenery and then writing a story about it allows students to be successful in writing, thus, increasing their interest and motivation. Story Ideas will help those who do not know where to begin.WEBSITE: http://www.riverdeep.net

High Tech Idea:

Writing with Symbols• SOFTWARE: Writing with Symbols by Mayer

Johnson • DESCRIPTION: Writing with Symbols is a

word/symbol processing program. It allows students to write using symbols instead of words.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Writing with Symbols makes writing easier for students with developing writing skills. Teachers can prepare activities for students so they just need to select symbols and/or words to make up sentences. Speech feedback and highlighting features allow students to make connections between pictures and words. Great tool for beginning writers and/or students with severe spelling difficulties (as well as reading difficulties so they cannot benefit from word prediction).

• WEBSITE: http://www.mayer-johnson.com

High Tech Idea:

Wordbar

• SOFTWARE: Wordbar By Crick Software

• DESCRIPTION: Wordbar is a word bank program. It is just like a word wall that sits at the bottom of the screen while students are working in any word processing application.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Grids are created in Wordbar with specific words that students have difficulty with. Based on students needs, grids may include sentence starters, verbs, descriptive words, etc. Those students with reading difficulties can hear the word before selecting it. Words are easily inserted into writing by clicking on them. The number of words also depends on students’ abilities and needs.

• WEBSITE: http://www.cricksoft.com

High Tech Idea:

Voice Recognition

• SOFTWARE: SpeakQ by QuillSoft• DESCRIPTION: SpeakQ is a voice recognition

program that allows students to dictate their ideas, so the computer types words as a student speaks them.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: SpeakQ is an easy to use voice recognition program designed specifically for students with learning disabilities. It is a great solution for those students who have no problems with generating and organizing ideas but have problems with mechanics of writing. Text-to-speech feature supports students with reading difficulties allowing them to locate misrecognized words. It also incorporates word prediction feature.

• WEBSITE: http://www.wordq.com

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High Tech Idea:

Portable Word Processors

• HARDWARE: Dana by AlphaSmart• DESCRIPTION: Dana is a portable word

processor. It functions just like a laptop while being light weighted and durable.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: It allows students to complete their writing assignments electronically without waiting for their turn on the computer. Students who have difficulties with mechanics of writing can benefit from common for any word processing program features: spell check, thesaurus, etc. Those students who are just learning keyboarding skills can benefit from the ability to write on the Dana’s screen with a stylus.

• WEBSITE: http://www.alphasmart.com

High Tech Idea:

Portable Word Processors• HARDWARE: The Writer by Advanced

Keyboard Technologies• DESCRIPTION: The Writer is another portable

word processor that includes many features students like and benefit from

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: Struggling and/or beginning writers benefit from using the Writer across the settings. Such feature like Auto-thesaurus supports students with limited vocabulary. Good Writing Checklists and Writer’s Rubrics guide students through the editing process. Built-in keyboarding lessons are great for beginning typists. Journal writing and Creating Writing Prompts provide opportunity for more writing practice and motivate students.

• WEBSITE: http://www.writerlearning.com

High Tech Idea:

Portable Spell Checkers• HARDWARE: Children’s Dictionary and

Spell Corrector by Franklin Electronic Publishers

• DESCRIPTION: Children’s Dictionary and Spell Corrector is a handheld device that offers interactive dictionary and spelling suggestions.

• WHAT NEEDS IT ADDRESSES: This portable dictionary and spell checker recognizes inventive spelling supporting students with poor spelling. It includes text-to-speech feature so that all words and definitions are read out loud for those students with reading difficulties. Animated handwriting guide and word building games motivate students to learn more words expanding their vocabulary.

• WEBSITE: http://www.franklin.com

WebsitesWebsites

Wacky Web Pages

http://www.eduplace.com/tales

Provides students with opportunities to practice grammar. Numerous activities require students to fill-in the blanks to create and personalize their own webpage. Some examples of fill-ins are different parts of speech, single and plural nouns, etc. Struggling students are supported with Parts of Speech Help button.

Funbrain

http://www.funbrain.com

Offers interactive game-like activities in different subject areas including writing. Examples include Grammar Gorillas activity that provides practice in parts of speech. The Plural Girls needhelp getting out of a bubble machine by finding correct plural forms. Different learners are supported: multiple levels (beginners and advanced); great reinforcements (get a banana foreach part of speech identified correctly).

Essay Punch

http://www.essaypunch.com/

An interactive online essay writing tutorial that guides students through writing a multi-paragraph essays step-by-step. Students are required to enter just chunks of information at a time. At the end it all adds on to a coherent essay. Prompts take them through all the steps from pre-writing through proofreading and publishing. Great resource for older students (with good reading skills and/or a text-to-speech program).

Paragraph Punch

http://www.paragraphpunch.com/

This website uses similar prompts and questions as the Essay Punch to help students to write a paragraph. Students can see their the progress as everything they write is demonstrated on the screen. One topic for paragraph writing is presented at a time but topics are changed periodically.

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6 Traits of Writing

http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/concord/teacherlinks/sixtraits/sixtraits.html

Online writing lab for elementary students with supports in all 6 traits of writing: ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, and conventions. It can be used as a learning tool and/or a checklist for good writing. Students can see the examples of each trait in writing.

The Write Site

http://www.writesite.org/

Provides interactive and exciting opportunity to practice writing though journalism. Students just like real journalists generate leads, gather facts, and write stories. Journalists’ tools and techniques are used making it fun and motivating. This site is designed for middle school students.

Word Central

http://www.wordcentral.com/hallway.html

Great interactive resource to let students learn new words, compose verses for composers, build their own vocabularies and practice using words in other game-like activities. It is a highly interactive website. Graphics are really engaging to motivate any student. Students with different needs are supported through such features as Rhyming Dictionary to help struggling writers to come up with a verse.

Game Goo

http://www.cogcon.com/gamegoo/gooey.html

Offers a great collection of multimedia games for kids in different subject areas including writing. Students are asked tospell words, alphabetize words, rhyme words to write poetry, put words in correct order, etc. It is quite colorful and engaging but is more appropriate for younger students.

Visual Thesaurus

http://www.visualthesaurus.com/index.jsp

Provides an interactive dictionary and thesaurus that present words in cluster webs. Great resource for student with learning disabilities because text-to-speech feature is included. The ability to see the relationships between words visually makes iteasier to choose a synonym. Subscription is required (relativelycheap) but a trial version is available.

E-Pals Classroom Exchange

http://www.epals.com/

Writing letters and email messages to their peers across the world is the best way to motivate students to write. E-Pals Classroom Exchange offers huge selection of pen pals from any country. Teachers can choose English-speaking countries or use the built-in translation feature.